ArtSites Updates

Woohoo! We have a new layout called "Tiled with Top Menu"! (there's a peak above ;-)

This layout represents the latest trend in digital design - responsiveness.

Here's what "responsive" means ...

This layout dynamically resizes your images depending on the size of your screen.

And, the layout itself will also change depending on the amount of screen space available.

As a result, it works quite fluidly across large desktop monitors, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.

You can even "test this out" by adjusting the width of your browser window.

Make your browser window bigger or smaller and see how the images and layout change.

To switch to this layout:

1. Log into your Admin Panel
2. Under "Layout" select "Tiled Responsive (new)"
3. And, don't forget to select your Colour Scheme, as well! ;-)
4. Click the "Update Website Layout and Header" button to save your selection
5. Now, go view your website

We're very excited by this new "responsive" layout and are looking to bring you more variations in the coming months.

Give it a try and as always, feel free to give us your feedback!

Also, many, many thanks to all our layout testers for their feedback and great ideas!

We're still making some small tweaks, but go ahead and let us know what you think! ;-)

(And, if you're interested, here's more detailed information about "Responsive Web Design")

Geoff and I are constantly brainstorming new options and features to make ArtSites better.

One thing we always have to consider is how newer features will work with older browsers.

To surf the Internet, you need to use a "Web Browser".

To do this, you usually click on one of the icons pictured below:

The most common Web Browser "programs" include:

• Internet Explorer (the "e" icon)
• Chrome (the red, yellow, green, & blue circle icon)
• Firefox (the icon with a swirling "fox")
• Safari (the icon with a "compass")
• Opera (the red "O" icon)

Unfortunately, older versions of Web Browsers create certain limits and challenges for both us and you!

I found a great article, Dear Web User: Please Upgrade Your Browser, that explains in nice detail why you want to upgrade your browser.

However, I also thought I'd provide a short summary of some of the key points from the article.
Here are few reasons Why You Should Update Your Web Browser:

• Old Browsers Are Slow and More Likely to Crash
  Every Web page that loads in a browser has to perform a number of different tasks.
  
  One of those tasks is the process of loading different files.
  
  These files include images, programming scripts, and other resources that help improve the look and functionality of the website you’re visiting.
  
  Old browsers do not perform these tasks with the same speed as new browsers.
  
  Every new browser generation improves speed.
  
  Older browsers make your experience on the Web considerably slower, and can sometimes cause your browser to crash or freeze because they get "overloaded".
  
• Old Browsers Can't Display Some of the Newer Features
  The display capabilities in older browsers are limited, based on older technologies, and often out-dated.
  
  As a result, you may not be able to experience many new features that are based on newer technologies.
  
  Newer browsers will better display and allow you to use newer technologies / features.
  
• Older Browsers Are NOT As Secure as Newer Browsers
  Using older browsers, you are more likely to get viruses, malware, and other security attacks.
  
  Newer browsers protect you better against scams, viruses, trojans, phishing and other threats.
  
  Security patches, fixes, and holes are often dealt with for the latest versions first.
  
  If you're using an older one, you're much more vulnerable to security threats!

• Far fewer instances of crashing or freezing
• Much more secure from virus, malware, and browser hijacking attacks
• Much faster page-loading
• Larger page-viewing area
• A large variety of useful optional plugins and add-ons that add extra features to improve Web browsing
• Unlike Internet Explorer 9 and 10, the latest Chrome and Firefox versions CAN be installed on Windows XP
• New browsers will automatically update to the latest version, or will notify you to download an update

• Dear Web User: Please Upgrade Your Browser
  (a GREAT detailed article - I strongly recommend you read this! ;-)
• How do I determine the version of Internet Explorer I have?
• How Can I Update Internet Explorer
  (scroll down for IE 9 and 10 options)
• Download the Latest Web Browser Version(s) at Browse Happy

• Be Transparent
  When asking others to fund your project, provide as much transparency as possible!
  
  This is especially key for your budget.
  
  Contributors will appreciate knowing:
  
  
  • How will you get the project done?
  • How will the funds be used?
    (Tip: provide a detailed list of your budget.)
  • Have you invested any of your own money? How much?
  • Is there a project-specific bank account?
  • Will they have access to those bank account records, if they want?
  • Will you provide budget updates? How frequently?
  
  The more transparent you are, the more confidence you'll earn with potential contributors.


• Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!
  One of the most important things to remember is to communicate constantly with ALL (potential and existing) contributors.
  
  Launching a crowdfunding project is like taking on another job! It's hard work!
  
  Here a few tasks that will be added to your workload if you want to make contributors feel appreciated:
  
  
  • Reply to all questions and comments on your project page
    (This is best if you do it within 24 hours)
  • Provide an easy way for contributors to contact you
  • Update your mailing list with new contributor contact information / details
  • Send personalized "Thank You Notes" to everyone who contributes
  • Send frequent and informative project updates
  • Announce major milestones and of course, when the project is completed!
  • Personally invite your "premium" contributors to the event, show, etc.
  
  Remember, you want contributors to feel that you're just as "in love" with them as they are with you and your project! ;-)


• Provide "Special" Rewards
  Most projects require a list of "Rewards" or "Perks" for contributors.
  
  Remember that most contributors should be "in love" with your project and/or you.
  
  So, your "Rewards" do not have match the amount of money they're pledging.
  
  In fact, it's best if they don't! :-)
  
  Offer Rewards that promote and thank your contributors PUBLICLY, especially at the lower levels, e.g.:
  
  
  • Online list of contributors
  • Receiving a personalized & signed postcard using image(s) from your project
  • Acknowledgement AT the event or in the book, etc.
  • Tickets or a print or a copy of the book, etc.
    (Do make sure the pledge level exceeds your costs to deliver these :-)
  
  The goal of Rewards is to help entice and make contributors feel SPECIAL!
  
  Rewards shouldn't cost you so much that you have nothing left to make project! :-)

• Think about Your Potential Contributors / Audience
  Many projects are written from the perspective of the artist / producer.
  
  This is a no-no! :-)
  
  Start by thinking about what kind of campaign(s) YOU'D be willing to fund (not create, but fund! ;-).
  
  Then, for your pitch, imagine how your funders will react to your finished project.
  
  You want to get your contributors to FALL IN LOVE with your project and you! :-D
  
  Usually, this happens in two ways: They LOVE your project AND/OR they LOVE you!
  
  So, think about ways your audience can "engage" in your project and "engage" with you!
  
  This is, by far, the best way to sell your project, especially to those who don't know you.


• Create a Compelling Video
  I know this may sound like a daunting task! ;)
  
  However, the most successful projects use video.
  
  Think of it this way; a video gives potential contributors a chance to connect, see, and engage with YOU!
  
  That said, you DON'T have to create a video with you as a "talking head"! :-)
  (especially if you're uncomfortable talking directly into a camera.)
  
  Be creative and use your talents, e.g.:
  • create a video using stills and do a voice over, OR
  • show yourself "at work" (working on another piece) while TALKING about the project
    (it's also really nice if you can show "that other" piece completed in the video.)
  
  The point of the video is create a personal connection with potential contributors!
  
  Be yourself, genuine, and show your passion and why you and your vision are something important to fund! :-)


• Write a Clear Description of Your Project
  One of the most difficult tasks will be for you towrite a clear, simple description of your project.
  
  You'll have lots of time to add details, but find a way to present your project in a very clear and concise way!
  
  To get started, it's recommended that you write EVERYTHING down!
  
  You do want to make sure you capture all your ideas and details.
  
  However, you'll need to edit and boil it down to the key elements.
  
  Be sure to answer the following questions:
  
  
  • What is the project about?
  • What will your project be/achieve once completed?
  • Why is the project important?
  • Why does it matter?
  • Why should your contributors fund you and your project?
  • Ultimately, why should they care?!
  
  Once again, think about this from the perspective of a potential contributor!

• Leverage YOUR Network(s)
  Many people think crowdfunding will be the "silver bullet" to make fundraising easy.
  
  Unfortunately, those with bigger online networks tend to do better.
  
  Crowdfunding is most successful when you spread the word through YOUR networks!
  
  In other words, it still requires a great deal of marketing to get your project heard/seen above all the rest.
  
  Since payments happen online, mentioning your project on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, your blog, your website, mailing list and any other social networking sites will make it more successful.
  
  Ultimately, it comes down to YOU to spread the news throughout your network(s) and to ask for money!
  
  One of the key benefits of crowdfunding is that those who already know and VALUE you can donate directly to you and your ideas!


• Set Realistic Budgets
  When you're planning your project, be sure toset realistic budgets!
  
  You may even want to split up the project into "Phases" of "Milestones".
  
  For example, you might pitch a project that only covers your initial "research" or only your production costs or just the exhibiting costs.
  
  By breaking things up into smaller projects, you present a more moderate goal (for that Phase) which seems much more reasonable and achievable.
  
  Once you've completed and delivered on a particular "Phase", your funders are also more likely to fund your next step.
  
  This strategy is particularly important on websites that have an All-or-Nothing policy for funds raised, i.e., you only get the funds if you reach your budget goal.


• Present a Compelling & Simple-to-Understand Project
  Short videos tend to do better.
  
  That said, if you aren't a videographer and can't find a friend who is, play to your strengths!
  
  For example, you might upload a series of drawings or sketches that demonstrate your vision.
  
  I would, however, recommend that you do present something visual; people respond better to visuals rather than lots of text or words.
  
  I'd also recommend that you test your pitch, video, drawings, etc. with friends and others before posting.
  
  This will give you some valuable feedback and allow you to hone (and simplify) your online presentation.


• Pick the Appropriate Crowdfunding Platform
  Last week, I mentioned Kickstarter and Indiegogo, which are probably two of the most popular crowdfunding websites.
  
  However, there a many more. In fact, Wikipedia has a list of Crowdfunding Websites.
  
  When you look at these sites, you will see that many focus on specific "project" areas.
  
  Review successful (and unsuccessful) projects.
  
  By doing this, you'll be able to pick up useful tips and more importantly, learn from the mistakes of others!
  
  Also, read fine print about how a site works, e.g. fees, funding model, countries supported, payment terms, etc.
  
  While there may be a lot more traffic on Kickstart or Indiegogo, another crowdfunding site with more projects like yours may do better connecting you with the "right funders".

Ready for more?! Here's Part 3!

• How to Plan and Prepare
• What to Pitch
• Do's and Don't's
• What to Expect
• "Gotchas"
• and much more! ;-)

Now, check out Part 2!

There has been an ever increasing battle that ArtSites and all other web tools have been fighting with web spammers. We have several unique techniques that stop about 99% of spam messages from getting through our filters. Unfortunately, the spammers are getting more sophisticated so that requires our filtering techniques to get smarter too. We have been testing some new filters for a little while and have acquired data on thousands of spammers that we are now using to prevent them from using our Guestbook, Contact or Mailing List pages to send spam to our artists.

There is an incredibly small chance that some visitor's activities might trigger this spam warning as well. We have placed an email address and requested feedback in that warning to find out if any legitimate user is tripping over this but if you have any problems or hear of any of your visitors running into this, please let us know.